jajunk

I definitely see your point. As to the post above, the blockage occurs during decent, I wouldn't get in the plane with a blockage ahead of time. I'm thinking I'll try to use the offseason to see an allergist, figure out my constant mild congestion. Once that's resolved, see if not having anything in my nose/sinuses improves or even fixes my pressure issues.

@sacex250 Thank you soooo much! This was exactly the kind of response I was looking for, and reminded me of a critical point: maybe due to my deviated septum / allergies, my nose generally has snot in it all year long. Not necessarily in the nasal cavity, but I can generally blow something out with relative ease. I have never had an allergy test, but I would say my nose "runs all year". I have tried taking a Claritin like pill on my way to the DZ. I've only tried that once, and can't rly say if it would have an effect with prolonged use. I didn't notice much of a difference in that one trial.

I don't think the Doctor was implying the septum had anything to do with the tubes. I read it as two separate issues in the OP, [who found I had a slightly deviated septum, which does not warrant surgery] AND [the tubes as a source of solving the ear pressure problems]. Bigun is correct, the Dr. did say that surgery on my nose would have no effect on the Eustachian tubes. I also get the experience/wisdom point, the Dr. seemed to personally against scuba / skydiving, and mentioned the tubes in passing. Tubes seem like an extreme solution to me, something I'm not going to pursue. I'm excited to read that my tubes may get better at equalizing on their own. Like I said, I would say it's more of a plugged feeling that is annoying (as I can't hear properly) more so than painful. Side note, I've tried to hold my nose and blow under canopy, but that seemed to make it worse. I'm having better luck with opening my jaw style Valsalva maneuver.

This is the Skydive Radio episode in question: http://media.libsyn.com/media/skydiveradio/sr54_08_15_06.mp3 Show #54, August 15th, 2006 - With Dr. Stuart Selkin.

That's called "Experience." That's called, "Wisdom." Help me understand again why you wouldn't consider the corrective surgery by a Doctor who's done it successfully for "Pro Competitive Skydivers" already, when most Doctors don't even know how to address issues specific to skydiving? Not enough piercings or tatts for ya? Wow, harsh. Why wouldn't I wanna put tubes in my ears... gee lemme think.. This specific question was brought up in the Skydive Radio episode, where the Dr they were talking to basically called this procedure a knee-jerk reaction of a doctor unfamiliar with skydiving related issues, and said doctor in that episode never recommends this procedure. The pressure created isn't painful, it's just persistent.

Hey I thought I would start a new thread as I have received a diagnosis which is really a bummer. Thread can be moved as appropriate. I have pressure issues with my right ear, as I've read a few other ppl do. Basically, I've gone to an ENT specialist, who found I had a slightly deviated septum, which does not warrant surgery. I've been told there is little they can do for my Eustachian tube pressure issues, besides installing tubes, which isn't an option. The Dr. suggested I avoid scuba and skydiving. I mentioned that I skydive, and he then mentioned the tubes, as he's done for pro competitive skydivers in the past. That seemed excessive and a little oldschool. He's very well credentialed, but also an older man who is definitely nearing the end of his career. Basically my right ear won't clear for often 1-24 hrs after a jump. I have listened to the Skydive Radio episode about this, and am feeling pretty down. I've done 5 jumps, one being my AFF lvl 1. I am concerned about going more than 1 jump per day while the pressure persists. Not being able to do 3+ jumps per day has definitely effected my progress/confidence, as going wk/wks between doesn't help anything. I can't accept a diagnosis that I can't jump again. So I have 2 main questions. 1) Has anyone, or is it possible, that with continued jumping I will adapt to the pressure, and it will no longer be a problem? -- It is not really painful, I simply can't rly hear properly with the right ear until it clears. 2) Is there a way to obtain a license without doing freefall? -- I'm thinking hop n' pops, or possibly going out at 8-10k instead of 12.5k, after lower altitude training A 3rd possibility is I've only jumped in the midwest. I only have problems when coming down, I can clear fine going up. I am likely moving to Phoenix for work, so my ground level will change from ~500ft to ~2000. Maybe I will have less pressure issues not going all the way back to near sealevel... Got the news from the Dr. yesterday, and am rly bummed. Can't accept never going again, and now that the season is done in IL/WI until nxt yr, I can't just sit and stew. Any and all suggestions/feedback is welcome, even if it's tough sh**, skydiving isn't for you.... EDIT: Does anyone have experience with the aforementioned ear tube procedure? Thanks!